(from Honda Press Release) The S2000 CR is an entirely new trim level for 2008. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. Compared to the S2000, the factory-tuned S2000 CR provides more aggressive track-oriented suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction, and aerodynamic spoilers tuned for reduced lift and enhanced chassis balance at high speeds. A removable aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top.

The aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and specially-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, more aggressive Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires (in place of RE050 tires), a larger rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and the S2000's new wheel design in Kaiser Silver. A rear body brace has been added to the area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. Relative to the base 2008 S2000, cumulative weight savings total 51 pounds (hardtop installed) and 99 pounds (hardtop removed). A sport-tuned muffler adds to the vehicles heightened performance feel.

The S2000 CR interior follows traditional racecar themes. Fabric seating surfaces with yellow stitching help create a sporty appearance while synthetic suede bolsters enhance lateral grip. An exclusive spherical aluminum shift knob on the S2000 CR rests 12.6 mm lower for a 6 percent reduction in shift stroke compared to the conventional S2000 cylindrical shift knob (aluminum/leather wrapped). Additionally, shift load effort increases by 10 percent for even more direct feedback when engaging a gear.

The S2000 CR instrument panel meters include a "peak-power indicator." When the engine is operating at peak power, a round, green light illuminates to the right of the digital speedometer. To save weight, air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are only available as factory-installed optional equipment.

The design and engineering concept for the S2000 is to deliver race-car-like performance and handling-something an enthusiast driver could use and enjoy, even in everyday driving situations. In addition, the S2000 is intended to be a modern, socially-responsible automobile with low emissions. The S2000's roadster layout also captures the spirit of the legendary high-performance sports cars of the past, as well as Honda's very first sports car, the S500 roadster. However, the S2000 makes no attempt to be a retro sports car. It is a unique, Honda interpretation of a modern sports car - with high performance, state-of-the-art technology, style, and Honda durability, quality and refinement.

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699 of these cars where made for the 08/09 model years.

Breakdown of changes
--------------------
-Aero Package
-Upgraded tires
-Stiffer springs
-Stiffer shocks
-Thicker sway bars
-Brace added behind seats
-Quicker steering ratio
-Shorter shifting with different shift knob
-peak-power indicator
-Synthetic suede Interior w/ high grip carpeted seat inserts
-Carbon Fiber look radio cover and sliding center console cover
-A/C + stereo optional
-Sound deadening material removed
-Soft top Removed
-Hard top standard
-Different sounding exhaust
-Slightly re-tuned ECU (reported on this site, not by Honda)
-Spare tire replaced with inflation kit
-Different wheels
-Black lug nuts
-Clear side-markers
-Offered in Apex Blue Pearl

 

Thank you for starting this thread, I will be compiling this info for our FAQ section at the top of the forum

 

Another thing I noticed was the lack of insulation under the hood. Anyone else notice this? Also the side markers were clear instead of amber.

 

Yeap none under the hood. I will add the side markers to the list

 

Some of this is duplicate info, but before Honda pulls this from their website, this is pulled directly from honda...



Premier Performance
Nothing exemplifies Honda racing skill and ingenuity like the S2000 CR “Club Racer.” A firmer suspension, quicker steering ratio and fully functional front and rear spoilers have been specially designed to connect driver, vehicle and road.

Compete
The CR is a true competitor. Feel free to maximize its potential at club racing events.

Performance
A purist’s dream, the factory-tuned CR sports an aerodynamic design and stiffer suspension settings for increased rigidity and downforce. The CR proudly draws upon the S2000’s racing heritage, but delivers more in terms of sheer performance.

Lighter
With racecar-like suspension and lower weight, the CR’s performance is second to none. Drivers rave about its cornering, braking and acceleration. To accomplish this, the audio system and air conditioning are offered as options and the spare tire has been replaced with a tire-repair kit. This, along with other modifications, lightens the racy roadster by nearly 100 pounds from the original S2000. Add in a taut new chassis, quicker steering ratio, “stickier” tires, and track-inspired has never felt so meaningful.

EXCLUSIVE STANDARD FEATURES:

* Firmer springs and dampers
* Stiffer front and rear stabilization bars
* Quicker steering ratio
* Larger rear P255/40 R17 tires
* Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires
* All-new 17" dark gray 5-spoke alloy wheels
* Fully functional aerodynamic front and rear spoilers
* Yellow and black fabric
* Yellow-stitched seats, shift boot and steering wheel
* Spherical aluminum shift knob
* Removable aluminum hardtop
* Body-colored roll-bar cowlings
* Sport-tuned exhaust silencer

PERFORMANCE FEATURES:

* Skidpad pulls .95G
* Slalom speed 71mph
* Coefficient of lift reduced approximately 70% over original S2000
* Over 2-seconds per lap faster around Japan’s Tsukuba Raceway than the original S2000


CRs spring specs are:

Front 391 in/lbs or 7.0 kg/mm (Base S2000 4.75 kg/mm)
Rear 346 in/lbs or 6.2 kg/mm (Base S2000 4.88 kg/mm)

In addition, shock damping rates are increased from Base: Front Increased 65%, Rear increased 40%

Steering box ratio was increased in effort/decreased in ratio from 14.9:1(Base) to 13.8:1(CR)

Shifter height was decreased 12.6mm by using the ball shapped knob & stroke was decreased 6% which also increased effort by 10% for a more positive feel

Aside from the seat material change to Alcantara/"Tomcat" Carbon Kevlar pattern, the seat padding on all surfaces was deepend and layered to improve support

The mufflers were modified by removing a U shaped baffle/return pipe to increase low frequency sound especially from mid to high RPM

Power steering bracket stiffener installed to improve steering feel and make input/feedback more precise

 

There is no sound deadening material in the CR. Is there confirmation of this?

 

Per Mchester:

 

Since my CR is a A/C Radio Model, I've always wondered what the aesthetic differences were on the delete models. I know the radio door does not open, is it possible to modify to make a compartment? Also, do the radio controls look the same? are they functional (with or without text?) or just non-functional like the radio door cover?

 

You can modify the radio door bezel to work, but its easier to just buy the bezel and two pins for the door itself to make that compartment open for storage.

The radio controls are blocked off much in the same manner as where the soft top button would be on a regular s2000. No text on the buttons.

 

Any pictures? Maybe someone can post a picture on the CR Gallery.